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Talented Hackney youngsters secure exciting entrepreneurships

Three young entrepreneurs have successfully secured business packages worth £1,000 in a ‘Dragons Den’ style event organised by Sanctuary Housing and Hackney Homes.

The Enterprize project, which targeted residents aged 13 to 25, will help the three successful candidates in bringing to life their business ideas that will benefit the local community.

Jace Joseph, aged 24, came first in the event and captivated judges with his pitch for a mobile bike repair business. His idea for JJ Cycles will see him launch a callout service to cyclists who experience problems on the road, at work or who don’t have the time to visit a bike shop.

In the future Jace has plans to educate other young people with cycle repair workshops in schools and youth centres.

He said: “Enterprize inspired me to try something, have an idea and hopefully do it, and if you fail you then go forward and try again.

“I found the presentation very daunting and was nervous pitching my idea that I had been thinking about for some time. However all the judges were very welcoming and asked relevant questions and gave good feedback.”

Runners up in the project were Hannah Akinbode, aged 25, and Chloe Robinson, aged 24, who also impressed with their detailed business plans.

Hannah’s pitch was an educational games package consisting of an online, app and board game version. The package will test school children’s general knowledge and cultural awareness.

Chloe’s business idea is to inspire young people from the black and minority ethnic communities to raise aspirations and chase their long term goals. Workshops and mentoring will give future professionals the knowledge and confidence to pursue their educational and vocational ambitions.

Each candidate will receive a tailored support package aimed at helping to turn their business idea into a reality. Support will be provided based on their needs and will include one to one mentoring, writing a business plan, marketing, finances, legal advice and more.

Jo Revett, Sanctuary’s neighbourhood partnerships manager, said: “We’re delighted to support these young people work towards realising their ambitions and are really excited to follow their journeys as they develop their ideas and their businesses.

“It is fantastic to see three ideas which will provide services and benefits to the neighbourhood as a whole as well as our entrepreneurs.”

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It’s brilliant that these young entrepreneurs will now see their ideas turned into reality. This is an exciting time for them and for our residents who will benefit from the businesses that are about to take shape.

Cllr Philip Glanville, Cabinet Member for Housing

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This project is funded by Sanctuary Group’s Community Investment Fund, and Hackney Homes.